Animated Series ‘Young Love’ Shows the Fullness of Black Family

Young Love emerges as a vibrant animated sitcom that blends humor and warmth to represent the modern Black American Family. Animation continues to carve paths for stories surrounding people of color, with this series contributing to that narrative. Through its 12-episode arc, Young Love guides viewers through the intricacies of Black life, family, culture, and quintessentially Black love. It underscores the diverse experiences embedded in Black existence that contain far more than pain.

Created by Matthew A. Cherry, the series picks up where his Oscar-winning short Hair Love ends. Angela Young (Issa Rae; Insecure) is now cancer-free and integrating into home and work life. Stephen Love (Scott Mescudi; Entergalactic) is continuing his pursuit of becoming an acclaimed music producer, and their six-year-old daughter Zuri Young Love (Brooke Monroe Conaway; Soul Santa) is also adjusting to the “new regime,” as she would put it. 

Set in Chicago, each episode centers on a particular theme or facet of the character’s lives. Whether it’s Stephen trying to navigate the contemporary music landscape or Angela rediscovering her groove with two-strand twists, Young Love proposes a new approach for millennials looking to do things differently, stepping outside the conventions of traditional Black living. While some of the topics presented have more serious roots if explored fully, we never delve too deep into the emotional depth of the original short film. And in true sitcom fashion, each episode ends on a sweet, often funny, heartfelt note.   

If you couldn’t tell from Spider-Man: Across the Spiderverse, Sony Pictures Animation doesn’t play when it comes to details. The choice of 2D Animation, the architectural representation of Chicago’s landscape, and all the other intricate details weaved into the fabric immerse the audience into this loving family. 

Naturally, the characters are the pulse of these stories. Outside of our three staple characters, the show is joined by Angela’s parents, Russell (Harry Lennix; The Blacklist) and GiGi (Loretta Devine; P-Valley), and Stephen’s song-writing bestie Star (Tamar Braxton; Kingdom Business). Every actor matches the character they represent perfectly. The awkward charm of Issa Rae is distinctly mirrored in Angela, while Tamar Braxton’s portrayal of Star leaves one wondering if the character was tailor-made for her. It’s as though the characters were sculpted based on the actors themselves.

There’s something beautiful about watching Angela and Stephen struggle with sharing their lives with their passion, desire, and family. It’s a struggle that most people can identify with. Even if you don’t have a family, if you’re anywhere near this generation, you can identify with wanting to do things differently, forging your path, and creating an environment that fosters open communication. You may choose not to get married as opposed to getting married because you have a child. Choosing to forego college debt to dive head first into your passion and betting on yourself with the people you cherish most, championing you from the sidelines. The fact that each episode bears the word “love” in its title underscores the series’ recurring theme; it’s through love that this family manages to navigate familial, financial, and societal challenges.

Young Love is refreshing, authentic, and leaves you feeling uplifted. Whether you resonate more with traditional sayings like “‘Cuz a half-truth is a whole lie” or more contemporary expressions like “Do you really want this smoke?” you’ll feel a sense of belonging with this family. It’s a sharp and relevant series with an impeccable cast and a super dope soundtrack, focusing on a Black family making it through life the best way they know — through the bonds of family, the support of friends, and a whole lot of love. 

Young Love is now streaming on MAX. 

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars